Once the dishes were served and the table cleared of curious glances by the innkeeper's staff, Damon finally leaned forward and asked, "Tell me, what do you know about the missing County Martial Judge?"
The room stilled slightly at his words.
Chen Yuan was the first to speak, placing his teacup down. "His name is Qian Weimin, and he's served as the County Martial Judge for over a decade. He's best described as strict but fair, not unkind. He's not one of those corrupt old officials who sell justice to the highest bidder, and perhaps most importantly, he doesn't answer directly to the noble families."
Sun Liang nodded. "It's true. He held an Imperial Writ which gave him direct authority over martial and civil cases in the county. No matter whether it was a sect member who had killed a peasant, or a noble who was trying to steal land, the judge could override their influence. That kind of position doesn't last long in chaotic times."
